We had thought that Father Alvaro’s health would improve with
the sabbatical that he requested in his letter to the
Papal Delegate on October 9. But, his headaches became
worse while he was spending Christmas with the community in
Cheshire. On December 30, he put his plans to
visit other communities in the US on hold and went
to the hospital in Hartford, CT.

The doctors found an
abnormal growth in his brain. They are now conducting
tests to determine its cause. It is possible that
Father Alvaro will have to undergo an operation in the
near future. Father Alvaro’s brother and sisters and extended
family have been informed. Fathers Kevin Meehan and Jeremy
Lambert will be with him for as long as the
illness lasts. We will communicate the findings of the
doctors as they are made known to us. Please
keep him and his family in your prayers.